Typographical machine.



T} S HUMANS. TYPOGRAPMCAL MACHINE. Avrucmou men MAR. 19. 1011s wqmssszs T. S. HUMANS TYPOGRAPHICAL 5%"1HQ'HWE.

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iNVENTOR $91 .710 m6 BY a I Pia/w 172v ATTORNEY T. S. HUMANS,

i TYPOGRAPHICAL MGHNE. APPLICATiON mu: MAR. 19, 1915.

Patented Out. 24-, 1916 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3 r !NVEQTOR BY W ATTGRNEY wn'masses:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS S. HOMANS, OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR T0 INTliIRTYPE CORPORA- i=- TION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 24, 1916.

To all whom it may con'cern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS S. HOMANS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hempstead, in the county of Nassau and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Typographic-a1 Machines, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to typographical machines of the linotype class, an example of which is shown and described in U. S. Letters Patent, No. 436,532, granted September 16, 1890, and to subsequent improvements of such machines which enable two or more magazines to be used and mat rices drawn from either magazine as de sired or needed by the operator in the composition of a line containing a plurality of sizes or styles of letters, an example of a, machine ofthis improved type being shown and described in U. S. Letters Patent, No. 701,990, granted June 10, 1902.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide, in a machine of the type employing two or more magazines, improved means for distributing the matrices to the difi'erent magazines after they have been used for casting lines of type; the present invention enabling the matrices to be distributed to the appropriate magazines automatically and without the necessity of shifting the magazines.

To these and other ends, the invention consists in certain improvements, and combinations and arra gemcnts of parts, all as will be hereinafter are fully described, the novel features being pointed out particularly in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the accompanying drawing:-l*igurc 1 is a rear elevation of the receiving and distributing mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention, a portion of the rear distributer being shown swung upwardly or into an inoperative position; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing part of the mechanism which automatically determines which distributer will receive the different matrices; Fig. 3 represents a transverse section of the distributing mechanism; Fig. 4 isa diagrammatic view showing parts in section and illustrating the system of driving gears for the distributing mechanism; Fig. 5 is a top plan view, partly in section, showing the distributing mechanism embodying the present invention; Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the distributing mech anism; Fi 7 is a detail view, partly in section, showing the clutches and their controlling means whereby the introduction of the matrices into the different distributors is efi'ected automatically; Fig. 8 is an elevation of a portion of the controlling or clutch mechanism shown in Fig, 7; Fig. .l is a dctail perspective view of one of the clutch dogs; Fig. 10 is a detail view of a matrix adapted to be used in a machine embodying the present invention.

Similar parts are designated by the same reference 0 iaracters in the several views.

The present invention is applicable generally to typographical machines of the class adapted to hold two or more magazines con taining matrices and wherein the matrices are withdrawn from the appropriate magazines at the command of the operator to be assembled into a line from which a line of type is SUbSel ucntly cast and whereupon the matrices of the line are distributed and rcturned to the appropriate magazines.

The preferred embodiment of 'thc invention is shown in the accmnpanying drawings and will be hereinafter described in dctail. but it is to be understood thatthc invention is not restricted to the precise construction shown as it comprchcnds equivalent constructions within the scope of the claims.

In the prescnt instance, distributing mechanism is shown which is adaptcd to distribute matrices to tn o magazines, there being! a pair of toolhcd or ribbed distributer bars 1 and 2 to receive the matrices for the corresponding magazines and dislributcr screws for feeding the matrices along these distributcr bars until they reach the proper channels of their respective magazines. Preferably. and as shown. the distributor bars are located beside one anothcr, and a set of distribute!- screws 3. 4. 3. i and 7 is employed to feed the matrices along these distribulcr bars, the screw 5 in the present instance being common to both distributcrs. that is to say, it assists the screws 3 and -l in fccdingthe matrices along the bar 2 and it also assists the screws 6 and 7 in feeding the matrices along the distributer" bar 1. During the distribution of the inatrices'fithe distributor screws revolve continuously, thedriving of these screws being effected from the main shaft 8 of the V groove 32 tonne in distributing mechanism, this shaft being driven by a belt pulley .9 or equivalent power transmitting means. The pulley Siis shown connected to the shaft 8 by a clutch 10 which may be of the construclion comnionly used for this purpose. A sleeve 11 is mounted loosely on the shaft 8 and has a pinion 12 fixed thereon. This pinion cooperates with the gears l3 and 1.4 on the distributor screws 3 and t, the distributor screw 5 is dr'ven through an idler gear 15' which is driv n from the gear 14- and drives the gear 16 attached to the screw 5, the screw 6 is driven by, a gear 17 on the screw 5 which cooperates with a gear 18 attached to the screw 6, and the screw 7 is driven by a gear 19 on the screw 6, an idler gear 20, and 'a gear 21 fixed to the screw 7. The distributor screwsfi, l and 5 are mounted in suitable bearings fixed to a beam which is a part of the main frame of the machine, and this beam also serves to support the distributor bars 1 and The distributor screws 6 and 7, however, are preferably jonrnaled in a pivoted or swinging frame 23 which is supported by a pivot 24 which enables these screws to be swung from an operative position into the elevated or inoperative position as shown in Fig. 1 in order to render accessible the interior of the distributing mechanism.

The matrices, after a cast has been made, are carried up, for example, by the usual second elevator, into a position to be received by the distributer box from which the matrices enter the distributers. The usual second elevator is shown in the present instance, it embodying the pivoted arm 25 which carries the toothed or ribbed bar 26, the latter receiving the line of matrices endwise and supporting the matrices in suspended position, and when the second elevator rises to the limit of its upward movement, this toothed or ribbed. bar will register with a similar toothed bar 27 which extends through the distribute!- box -2 8. The distributor box, according to the present invention, is shiftable, whereby it may introduce matrices into the respective istributers, the distributer box, accordingto the present invention, performing not only its usual function of introducing the matrices to the distributer screws, but also determining which the matrices Preferably, the distributer box is pivoted to swing laterally to bring it into position to introduce matrices into one or another of the distributers. .In the present instance, the distributer box is moiiiited onwan arm 29, and this arm is supported by a pivot 30 which latter is secured to an extension 22 of the beam 22. The arm 29 is supported on the pivot by a gib 31 which 0 rates in a circumferential the pivot, and that end construction shown,

crating in distributor will IGCBIVB 0f the arm 29 adjacent to the i'listribiuing mechanism is preferably provided with means for guiding it in order to insure correct operative relation between the dis tributer box and either distributer. ln lie that end of the arm in adjacent to the distributing mechanism 1; formed with a. flange 33 which operates in a groove 34 formed in the beam the proper elevation of the distributor box rela tively to the distributor screws bring thew by insured.

The distributer box carries a pair of rail or ledges 35 which receive [be line of mat rices between them, the ends of the mite 5% adjacent to the matrix-receiving ends of the distributer screws being formed with stops or shoulders 36 against which the foremost matrix in the line is adapted to abut. When the second elevator reaches a position tum-t the bar 26 thereon is in alinement with the bar .27 of the distributor box, the line of matrices is pushed along the bar at) and transferred to the bar .27, the movement of the line of matrices being arrested bv' abutting of the foremost matrix in the li against the stops 36, in the present in stance, the usual transfer means is shown. it embodying a slide 37 which reciproeatrs in a guide 38 which guide is carried by the arm 29, and an arm 39 connected. to th slide is provided which is shaped toenter the open bottom of the distributer box and is provided with a head 40 adapted to bear against the rear end of the line, of matrices and to push the line against the stops 3b.

The matrices may be transferred from the distributor box to the distributer screws by any suitable means, means similar to that. heretofore employed being shown in the present instance, it embodying a litter il. which is pivotedat 42 to an arm t3, the latter being mounted to rock on a pivot it. and the rocking action of the arm 43 is e fected by a roller K which cotiperates a cam 46 attached to one of the distr. i screws, it being fixed to the distribute 6 in the present instance. The lifter it up crates to successively lift the forenmst matrix in the line resting against the stops 36 into a position to be engaged by the upper pair of distributer screws, the lifter op predetermined timed relation to the matrices being fed suelifter by the ,head it) which brings the matrices successively against the stops 36. As soon as a matrix has been lifted into engagement with the upper pair of dis tribute! screws, the matrix is supported by a pair of guides 47 arranged at opposite sides but in,advance of the corresponding distributer bar, the matrix, however, being ad vanced by the screws and then engaged upon and carried along the distributor har until it reaches a position to a the screws and cessively to the drop into its a5. Z

propriate channel of the magazine. These guides 4T are supported so as to maintain a fixed relation to the distributer screws.

The present invention provides means whereby the distributor box will be shifted automatically to introduce the matrices into the distributor of the magazine in which these matrices belong. and the shifting of the distributer box is controlled by the matrices. In order to effect this result. each matrix is provided with a notch which distinguishes it from a matrix belongin to another font. Fig. 10 showing the matrix M provided with a font distinguishing notch M formed in the bottom thereof. In so distinguishing the matrices. it is to be understood that in all matrices belonging to the same font. the notch M will occupy the same position. although this notch will be located difi'erently to distinguish matrices of one font from those of another font. In order to control the position of the distributer box. a font controlling plate or member 48 is located at the matrix-receiving'end of each distributor. these plates 48 being in position to enter the notch M in the foremost matrix as the latter comes into engagement with the limiting stops 3G and thus permit the matrix to assume a position above the lifter 41 in readiness to be engaged with the distributer screws. provided the matrix belongs to the font to which the distributet' corresponds. However. should a matrix of another font be presented to the plate 48. the latter. owing to the different location of the distinguishing notch M in the matrix. will engage in unnotched portion of the matrix. and the pressure upon the line of matrices exerted by the head 40 will push ahead the plate. 48. this movfltncnt of the plate being permitted by mounting the plate 48 on an arm 45) which latter is pivoted at 50. hen the plate 48 is pushed ahead. it will also displace the lifter ll. the latter having a lug 51 which rests against the arm if). In this manner. lifting of the matrix by the lifter 41 is avoided and the movement imparted to the arm ill will set into action mechanism which will shift the distributor box to another distributer. The shifting means cmhodies an arm 5'. which is fixed to the pivot 50 and is adapted to be depressed by the for ward displacenwnt of the arm 4! it being normally held in elevated position. as shown in Fig. 1, by a spring 53 which is connected to the lifter it and acts to normally retain the lifter in operative position. the litter in turn bearing against the arm 49 and holding the latter against a positioning stop 54. The arm 52 is formed with a bevel surface 55, and this end of the arm 52 cooperates with one end of a lever 56. the latter being pivoted at 57 and provided with a spring 58 which normally acts to hold the lower end of the lever 5(i'in abutting position against the end of the arm 52. The opposite end of the lever 56 carries a roller or projection 59 which is arranged at one side of an actuating member which. as shown. is in the form of a gear 60. the latter having a pair of diametrically opposite beveled projections (i1 and (i2 fixed thereon in a position to alternately engage the roller or pro jection 59 andto rock the lever M3 in opposition to its spring 58. Normally. however. the abutting of the lower end of the lever 51' against the end of the 'ttrm 52 holds the roller or projection 59 away from the gear 60. and the roller or rojection 59 comes against the gear on y when the arm is de ressed upon the resentation of a matrix' elonging to a di erent font to one ofthe plates 48, whereupon the arm 52 is depressed sufiiciently to bring the bevel surface 55 into engagement with the lower end of the lever 56 and the spring 58 will then act to move the roller or pro ection 59 into the path of one of the beveled projections 61 or 62 on the gear 60. It is to be understood that a font controlling plate 48 is provided for each distributer. and that each distributor is also provided with a lifter 41.

,there being two plates. in the present instance corresponding to the two distributors. both of these plates being fixed upon the same shaft 50. and two lifters ll are also provided. both lifters being carried and operated by the arm 43.

Operation of the lever 56 controls clutch mechanism which serves to shift the distributer box from one distributer to the other distributor. The 'clutch mechanism is shown in detail in Figs. 7-9 inclusive. As shown. the sleeve 11 which surrounds the shaft 8 and carries the pinion 12 is provided at its inner end with a clutch-carrying member (33 which surrounds a collar 64 which latter is fixed to the shaft 8. this collar having a notch 65 formed therein. The member ('3 has a. clutch dog 66 pivoted therein at 67. one end of the dog being arranged to engage in the notch (55 of the collar ()4 and thereby form a driving connection between the sleeve 11 and the shaft 8. and the opposite end of the dog 66 is formed with a controlling projection (38. A spring 69 hcts to engage the dog 66 in the notch 65 and to normally maintain this engagement. The shaft 8 is also surrounded by a clutch member 70 and a collar 71 is fixed to the shaft 8 and is provided with a notchsimilar to the notch 65 in the collar (34. A clutch dog 72 is pivoted in the member 70. at 73. and is arranged to an lit) gage the notch in the collar 71. it being provided with a spring sinnlar to the spring 89 to engage it with the notch in the collar 71 member 70 has a pinion 75 fixed thereto,

and this pinion cooperates with and serves to drive the gear 60. The gear is also provided with a crank pin 76, and this crank pin is connected by a rod or pitman 77 of appropriate shape to the arm 29, this rod or pitman in the present instance operating throu h an opening 7 8 formed in the beam 22. he engagement of the clutch dogs 66 and 72 in the notches of the collars 64 and 71, respectivel is controlled by a member 79 which, in t e resent instance, as shown, has an arm which is pivoted at 80 and its upper end is movable into either of two positions to engage one or another of the controlling pro ections 68 and 74 and thereby disengage t e clutch dog from one of the clutch collars and to permit engagement of the other clutch dog with its respective clutch collar. The movement of the controlling member 7 9 is eflected by a link 81 which is operatively connected to the lever 56.

The clutch dog 66 when engaged with the clutch collar 64, as shown in Fig. 7, operatively connects the driving shaft 8 with the sleeve 11, and the distributor screws are then driven from the inion 12 which is fixed to the sleeve 11. is this time, however, the pinion 75 and the gear 60 will be idle, the clutch do 72 being held in inoperative position. en, however, the ever 56 is shifted, owing to the presentation of a matrix to one of the distributers, which matrix belongs to the other distributer, the member 79 is shifted by the link 81 in a direction to engage it with the controlling projection 68 of the clutch dog 66 and to disengage it 'from the controlling projection 74 of the clutch dog 72, the member 79 being of a width to engage one of these controllin projections before disengaging from the ot er. This operation uncouples the sleeve 11 from the shaft 8, thereby interrupting the operation of the distributer screws, and by the same operation couples the pinion 75 to the shaft 8. The gear or member 60 is thereby rotated a half revolu tion, carrying the crank pin 76 into a position opposite to that which it previously occupied and thereby swinging the distributer box'from one distributer to the other distributor. \Vhen the gear or member 60 completes a half revolution, one of the projections 61 or 62 engages and acts upon the roller or projection 59 on the lever 56, rocking the latter and with it the memher 79 into a position to disengage the clutch dog 72 and thereby uncouple the pinion 75 from the shaft 8 and to disengage from the controlling projection 68 of the clutch dog 66 and thereby permit rci ngagement oi, the same with the clutch collar 64. Rotation of the gear or member 60 which shifts the distributor box is therebyinterrupted at the proper point and operation of the distril ipter screws is resumed. The action of the projections 61 and 62 on the lever 56 restores the lower end of this lever to its former abutting engagement with the end of the arm 52. this arm 52, together with the lifter ii and the font controlling plate 48, being restored by the spring 53 at the time the lever 56 is reset by the gear or member 60. As the distributor arm swings about the pivot 30 to position the distributor box to introduce matrices into either distributor. the bar 27 is brought into difi'crcni angular positions, and in order to secure alinement or proper registration between this bar and the bar 26 of the second elevator when the latter is in its uppermost position. this bar or the head of the second elevator to which it is attached is swiveled or otherwise mounted to enable it to be swung or adjusted automatically by the second elevator stops 26 on the distributer arm 29 as the second elevator assumes its uppermost position, and it is thus alined with the bar 27 as the latter assumes its diflerent angular positions. The second elevators in machines of this class are usually so constructed that they are self-setting, and, hence, detail illustration and description of such construction is thought unnecessary.

The present invention provides distributing means for a plurality of magazines whereby the matrices are handled directly or without extra complicating movements, the matrices,- when an one of the magazines isbeing used, fee in directly into the distributer and passing mm the latter to the magazines with the same direct action as in a single magazine machine, and the necessity of using complicated chutes or racewa s, as heretofore proposed, and which ave occasioned more or less trouble, is avoided.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix distributers, and a matrix guiding channel adapted to receive lines of matrices and shiftable to introduce matrices into either of said distributers.

2. In a machine of the class described,

plurality of matrix distributers, and a channel or box for guiding the matrices as they approach the distributers, combined with automatic means controlled by the incoming matrices for shifting said channel to either distributer as required.-

5. In a machine of the linotype class, in combination, a plurality of matrix magazines, a distributer for each magazine, a movable channel for guiding the matrices prior to distribution, and means controlled by the matrices for shifting the channel to any required distributer.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of distributers, means capable of directing matrices to one or another of the distributers, and means controlled by the matrices received by said matrix-directing means for automatically shifting the latter into coiiperation with one or another of the distributers.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of distributers for magazines to contain matrices of different fonts, guiding means capable of directing matrices into the different distributers, a controller at the entrance of each distributer and adapted to be acted on bymatrices other than those belonging to their respective magazines, and means governed by said controllers for shifting said guiding means to introduce matrices into one or another of the distributors.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of distributcrs for magazines to contain matrices of different fonts, guiding means capable of directing matrices into the different distributers, power-operated means for shifting said guiding means to introduce matrices into one or another of the distributers,

and means controlling said power means embodyin members located at the entrances 0% the distributers and subject to actuation by the matrices.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of distributers for magazines to contain matrices of different fonts, guiding means capable of directing matrices into the different distributers, power-operated means for shifting said guiding means to introduce matrices into one or another of the distributors, and a clutch governed by the matrices for automatically controlling said power means.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix distributors having matrix feeding screws, means capable of directing matrices into different distributers, clutch-controlled means for driving the distributer screws, clutch-controlled means for shifting said matrix directing means to introduce matrices into one or another of the distributers, and means governed by the matrices for interrupting the driving of the distributer screws and causing operation of said shifting means.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix distrilmters, and a distributer box shiftable into cooperation with one or another of said distributers for introducing matrices into the diiferent distributers as required.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of matrix distributers, and a distributer box shiftable automatically under control of the matrices into cooperation with one or another of said distributers for introducing matrices into the diiierent distributers" as required.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a matrix distributor, a channel for directing matrices thereto, a font distinguishr located at the entrance of the distributer and adapted to be displaced by matrices not belonging to said distributor, and a matrix lifter operative under control of said font distinguisher.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing THOMAS S. HOMANS. \Vitnesses:

witnesses.

WM. WEMSSEN, ALFRED A. YOUNG. 

